Alumni Updates

Ryan Villafuerte

International Studies, 2021

After graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt (HSU), Ryan pursued a Master's degree in International Relations, focusing on Russia and the Soviet Sphere and the rise of Putinism during the War in Ukraine. He graduated with a distinction from the University of Kent Canterbury, and he decided to stay in the United Kingdom and entered the hospitality industry. 

He worked in different high-end 4 to 5-star hotels in London, ranging from corporate hotels in the City of London, and now he currently works in East London, dealing with different high-profile clients in and around Canary Wharf and East London. 

Being Trilingual English (native), French (Fluent C2), Spanish (professional C1), and having an international background helped him gain the skills and knowledge that he has learned from his time in Humboldt, as well as in Kent, the negotiation skills and multilingual skills when dealing with high profiled clients. Especially the high-profile corporations located in London. 

He currently deals with hotel Revenue and Reservations and helps the Sales team bring business to his main hotel, making it one of the most popular hotels in the London Docklands area. 

Brandon Chapin

Politics, 2010

Brandon joined the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in May 2025 as Deputy Director for Legislative and External Affairs. In this role Brandon is focused on strengthening the CCC’s legislative presence and sharing the inspiring stories of the corps members, deepening connections with external and local partners, and also serves as the CCC’s Tribal Liaison.

Irma Gill

Theatre, 2019

After graduating with her B.A. in Theatre Arts and a minor in Dance Studies from Humboldt State University in 2019, Irma moved to the rainy city of Portland, Oregon, where she worked with a tiny theatre company as a touring actress. During her time in Portland, she also worked as a stand-in for Netflix's 'Trinkets' and TBS's 'CHAD'. During the 2020 pandemic, she decided to move back to her home state of California and began working on her Master of Fine Arts degree in Television, Film, & Theatre at California State University, Los Angeles. She graduated with her MFA in 2023. After earning her Master's degree, she was promoted and became the assistant manager of The Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. She has also been signed with Rectangle Entertainment, and her television debut was in 2023 when she was cast as Diane Zamora in season 1 of 'Prosecuting Evil with Kelly Siegler'. Irma is now working as a campus admissions specialist at The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, CA, and continues to work actively in the film and television industry. 

Lowell Cottle

Geography, 1998

After 15 years working as an environmental consultant, Lowell Cottle moved on to work for the state at the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board as a Senior Environmental Scientist. He manages the compliance and enforcement unit for Construction and Industrial sites for 22 counties in the Central Valley. In addition to this, he also manages the Cannabis Unit. Lowell is excited to manage a team that inspects industrial and construction sites for compliance with State and Federal Water Codes, where he can really make a difference! Lowell's team investigates and tracks down potential sources of pollution from stormwater exposure and works with facility/site owners to comply with the Clean Water Act.

Benjamin Scott Endsley

Politics, 2024

Currently, Benjamin is a legislative aide in the office of Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, working on legislation related to housing, medical training and education, and agriculture.

Andrew C. Torres

Philosophy, 2017

Since graduating from Humboldt, Andrew Torres earned his M.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University, where his research focused on the intersection of philosophy and anxiety, leading to published papers and academic presentations. Currently, he is pursuing an EdD in Education while teaching at the high school level, blending his philosophical background with practical pedagogy. His work continues to explore critical thinking, mental health, and student engagement in education.

Pete Narensky

Journalism, 1995

Recently retired after 24 years of service with the U.S. Customs Service and Department of Homeland Security serving as a Criminal Investigator. Mr. Narensky most recently achieved the rank of Assistant Special Agent in Charge and led a Financial Crimes Taskforce in Long Beach, CA. Mr. Narensky has started a second career working as Head of Security for the West Coast for a large global logistics company. 

Edward Hendrickson

Theatre, 1973

Edward is still alive and a survivor of the HIV-AIDS epidemic and a violent act that caused a memory loss of eight years. But this year he will turn 75 and is glad for his connection to the creative art movement in Spokane. A new time in his life and a new voice. His two years at Humboldt (1971-1973) changed his life forever. He is grateful to the staff and students of that time period. Good thoughts to all!

Mark Pignatelli

Geography, 2004

Mark's time at Humboldt State in the early 2000s had a profound impact on the man he is today. His graduation pledge was to use his life to actively work toward a more socially and environmentally responsible world. 

Shortly after graduating, his professional career began in the renewable energy and energy efficiency space. For the past 20 years, his profession has focused on energy efficiency consulting. He is currently a Director with ICF and leads a team of consultants who design, implement, and evaluate programs that help our clients achieve energy, environmental, and economic goals. His skills include project management, sustainable development, energy assessments, and building science. His passion is to create innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and improve the quality of life for communities. The energy efficiency programs he supports are designed to help builders, developers, and homeowners adopt high-performance building practices, technologies, and standards that increase energy savings, comfort, and durability.

Mark says Humboldt was and will always be a magical and inspiring place to live, learn, and love. His Humboldt professors, friends, and family opened doors of perception that allowed him to see and understand the world through a new lens. These influences and learnings resulted in his passion for the environment and the precious home he calls Earth. 

Jeanette K Shribbs

International Studies, 2007

Jeannette is an elementary school teacher in Northern California.